Camila's entrance always surprised everyone. The youngest of the siblings had always stood out, even among her own family, receiving both praise and envy, even from her own brothers.
—Oh! The Ice Queen has arrived! hahaha —said her middle brother, Max Xentras, laughing. Known as a great Air Force officer, he had an egocentric personality but with certain hints of kindness.
—Ha! It's been quite a while since I heard that nickname. I remember I was the one who gave it to you hahaha —remarked the eldest Xentras sibling, Helena Xentras, a woman who had turned a nearly bankrupt business into a globally recognized empire, with a dominant personality obsessed with status.
Camila took a seat while they talked. She placed her hands on the table and delicately adjusted her hair before responding.
—Ice Queen? I remember perfectly. You gave me that nickname after I ignored you when you were talking to me. Even though it was a long time ago, I apologize… but what you were saying didn't add anything to me at all, elder sister —she replied coldly. Her words, although measured, were a slight offense to Helena and created a tense atmosphere at the table.
Applause echoed, silencing everyone for a moment.
—It's a pleasure to see everyone here. Our family has grown so much —said the father of the three siblings, looking at each person with a mix of pride and confusion—. Camila, hasn't Romeo been able to attend? He must have had a lot to discuss with you —he asked, since he had great affection for his son-in-law.
—No, father… he had commitments with a new project. He said it would be something big for another country and needed to finish the plans —Camila replied, proud of her husband. Her tone was, at the same time, a subtle provocation toward her siblings, since among the sons-in-law, Romeo had stood out the most.
—I see, that's a shame… —said the father, paying little attention to the other sons-in-law, and took his seat.
He pulled out some documents and placed them on the table.
—Now… let's get to what's important. As you know, I am aging, and I cannot continue leading everything indefinitely. Time demands that we be responsible, that everyone knows their role, and that the transition happens in an orderly manner —he said, pausing to gauge everyone's reactions with his piercing gaze.
—In five years, I will make a final decision on who will take over the leadership of the family. Until then, everyone must demonstrate their ability, discipline, and commitment to the clan. Simply having Xentras blood will not be enough; vision, determination, and strength are required —he added, resting his hands firmly on the table.
—I have decided that, for this succession, the main candidates will be Helena and Camila, since Max declined to participate due to his commitment to the army —he concluded, leaving no room for doubt.
Silence fell over the room like a heavy cloak. All eyes were on the sisters, and it was clear that, even though the final decision would be made in five years, the pressure on them had already begun.
⸻
The announcement was over, and everyone left the room.
Camila walked calmly down the hallway, heading toward the mansion's exit to leave, but her pace stopped as her older sister appeared directly in front of her.
—Camila… congratulations. It seems you've already been recognized enough to compete with your elder sister —she said, showing a confident smile.
Camila glanced at her watch and decided to circle around her. Once at her side, she stopped and looked at her out of the corner of her eye, her pure red eyes piercing.
—Don't get it wrong, Helena… you've been competing against me for many years. It's already been decided who contributes more to this family, and it isn't you —her cold voice, imposing gaze, and words made Helena's smile vanish immediately.
After speaking, Camila continued on her way. Helena stood frozen, biting her thumb, showing that her words had affected her. But she knew she couldn't stay silent, so she turned abruptly and forced a smile. It was not just a confident smile; it was tinged with something unhinged.
—Your "achievements" in this family are sinking, so don't get too confident… After all, thanks to you there exists an "error" in this famili— her words stopped abruptly, interrupted by the gaze of her younger sister. It wasn't the look a family member would give another; it was as if Camila considered Helena a target, ready for vengeance.
⸻
Camila left the mansion with measured steps, the wind brushing her hair as she walked toward her car. She couldn't help but feel concerned, but it wasn't about the inheritance or her father's succession announcement. Her worry focused on Helena's words: "error," she had said about her son. That single word echoed in her mind, sending a shiver down her spine.
In silence, she recalled a painful moment from the past: at first, she herself had considered John an error, a silent failure of the family. That thought consumed her more than anything else, and now rage mixed with maternal protectiveness drove her forward.
Upon reaching a traffic light—the same one in front of the hall she had glimpsed earlier—she stopped. For a moment, she looked at the illuminated facade, the music barely audible through the windows, and decided to park the car. She took a deep breath, and with firm steps, entered the hall, as if that decision marked a silent beginning, an act of control over what she feared losing.
Time passed, and soon Romeo and John returned home. Camila greeted them, but something had changed: a small white streak in her hair revealed the tension and weight of her thoughts. Both noticed it immediately.
—Mom… what happened? —John asked, with the innocent curiosity that always defined him.
—Nothing important —Camila replied with a faint smile, though her concern remained—. Just adult matters —she added, but Romeo watched every gesture, as if trying to read the thoughts she tried to hide.
They spent a long while talking, exchanging opinions about what had happened, while the family tension and Helena's words still lingered in the air. Camila shared her reflections, Romeo listened, and together they helped John understand a bit more about the complexities of adults, without losing his own innocence.
Later, Camila and Romeo decided it was time to teach John something that had always been difficult for him: learning to smile genuinely. They started with simple exercises: glances, gestures, small jokes that initially scared him, unexpected laughs that made him stammer, mirror exercises that provoked both fear and fun. Each attempt brought him a little closer to the expression that had seemed impossible, until finally, John achieved a believable and authentic smile, one that reflected not only his appearance but also his inner self, though silent.
And so the day ended, and with it, Volume 1 closed its story: complex families, difficult decisions, words that burn, and a small, silent triumph that proved even the quietest could learn to express what they felt.